Fatima Al Awadhi becomes first Emirati to summit Lenin Peak
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At 19, Emirati mountaineer Fatima Abdulrahman Al Awadhi has reached the highest point of her climbing career so far, standing on the summit of Lenin Peak in Kyrgyzstan with the UAE flag in hand.
On July 18, 2026, she became the youngest Arab to climb above 7,000 metres and the first Emirati to summit Lenin Peak, which rises 7,134 metres in the Pamir Mountains.
The climb is her highest ascent to date and comes just one year after she took on her first major mountain, Mount Elbrus, the 5,642-metre peak that is the highest in Europe.
Lenin Peak is one of Central Asia’s toughest high-altitude climbs. Its extreme weather, long glaciated routes and exposure above 7,000 metres test even experienced mountaineers.
Fatima’s expedition lasted about three weeks. It began with an acclimatisation rotation up the mountain before the final summit push. She climbed above 7,000 metres without supplementary oxygen.
At the summit, she raised the UAE flag, the first time it has been carried to the top of Lenin Peak.
She also carried a message from President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to young people around the world, centred on ambition, hope, resilience and perseverance.
Fatima dedicated the climb to Sheikh Mohamed in appreciation of his support for young Emiratis.
She also dedicated it to Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Mother of the Nation, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, thanking the leadership for encouraging Emirati women to push boundaries and pursue excellence.
“Standing on the summit of Lenin Peak with the UAE flag wasn’t just the end of a climb; it was a reminder of why I started this journey in the first place. Mountaineering has taught me that the greatest rewards come from embracing challenges”, Fatima said.
“I’m incredibly grateful to have climbed under the patronage of our father, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. His support reflects a belief in empowering young people to dream big and pursue ambitious goals. I hope this achievement encourages others, especially young Emiratis and young women, to believe in what’s possible when you work for it".
The Lenin Peak ascent adds to a growing list of records for the young climber. Fatima is the youngest Emirati to summit Mount Elbrus, the youngest Arab to summit Vinson Massif in Antarctica and the youngest Arab to climb Carstensz Pyramid in Oceania.
She has also climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain.
Alongside mountaineering, Fatima is a full-time university student and a recipient of both the Presidential Court University Scholarship and the Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Scholarship for Outstanding High School Students.
She has now completed four of the Seven Summits and remains focused on finishing all seven before turning 20.
She is also working towards the Explorer’s Grand Slam, one of the world’s most demanding adventure goals, which combines the Seven Summits with reaching the North and South Poles.
